The IPL 2026 auction will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
Former India cricketer and batting instructor Sanjay Bangar believes England's hard-hitting batter Jonny Bairstow will be a popular choice for clubs searching for a top-order wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
Bangar emphasized Bairstow's appeal as a versatile option, stressing his ability to keep wickets and produce powerful starts at the top of the order.
He stated that this combination makes Bairstow an appealing option for franchises looking to add depth and versatility to their batting lineups in the shortest format, with the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders emerging as prospective buyers.
At present, KKR heads into the IPL 2026 auction with the biggest remaining purse of INR 64.30 crore, while Delhi Capitals have INR 21.80 crore at their disposal.
"Jonny Bairstow offers dual value as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter. He has a proven pedigree, and since he's currently focused solely on T20 cricket, his full availability makes him an even stronger prospect. Teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could be in the mix—Delhi needs a top-order option after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk, while KKR might also look at him, given their limited choices beyond Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz," Bangar said on JioStar’s ‘IPL Auction Most Wanted’ show.
On the other hand, MSK Prasad put the spotlight on leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, saying that his consistent bowling performances, athletic fielding, and IPL experience make him a highly valuable option in the auction pool.
Another prospective buyer might be the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings, who want a good Indian spinner to complement Noor Ahmad on the spin-friendly surfaces at home.
"Ravi Bishnoi brings great energy to any side. We've seen him perform impressively in the IPL—first with Rajasthan Royals and later with Lucknow Super Giants. Teams will always value a pure bowler who's also an exceptional fielder. Sunrisers Hyderabad will likely have their eyes on Ravi Bishnoi since they're short on quality spinners. Chennai Super Kings could also be interested—the Chennai surface naturally assists spin, and Bishnoi's exceptional fielding adds even more value, something MS Dhoni always appreciates in his players," MSK Prasad said on JioStar.
The IPL 2026 auction will happen on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.